Sir Michael Bonallack: 1934-2023
Sir Michael Bonallack OBE, Britain’s most decorated amateur golfer and former Chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking, has sadly passed away at the age of 88.
Bonallack became the first Chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking in 2004, following the death of Mark H McCormack when the proprietary interest and management of the Ranking system was transferred from IMG (SONY Ranking) into a newly incorporated company called the Official World Golf Ranking.
Under Sir Michael’s 12-year chairmanship, OWGR successfully incorporated numerous enhancements to the Ranking system, including the expansion of the number of Tours eligible for inclusion.
Peter Dawson CBE, who succeeded Sir Michael as Chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking in 2016, said, “Golf has lost one of its very finest. Respected all around the world, Michael was a wonderful player, administrator, and ambassador for our sport, and he will be sorely missed by so many. His contribution to the game he loved was simply unparalleled.
“Speaking personally, I will be forever grateful for his help and advice over so many years and my world seems a much lesser place without him. My thoughts are with Michael’s entire family who have given him such great support since he lost Angela last year.”
